Skiing the Sellaronda Circuit

What is the Sellaronda?

The Sellaronda is a circular ski route linking Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Arabba and Val di Fassa. It crosses four mountain passes: Gardena, Campolongo, Pordoi and Sella.

The circuit covers approximately 44 km including lifts, with around 23 km of skiing. You travel between the valleys on connected pistes and lifts, returning to your starting point at the end of the tour.

Orange or green: which direction should you choose?

You can complete the Sellaronda in either direction. Colour-coded signs mark the route:

• Orange: Clockwise
• Green: Anticlockwise

Both complete the circuit around the Sella massif. Choose your direction before setting out and follow that colour throughout the day.

For a first visit, we recommend choosing a local instructor, who can take account of your group’s skiing ability and the day’s conditions. If you enjoy the circuit, skiing it in the opposite direction later in the week gives you another way to explore the area.

How difficult is the Sellaronda?

The route is predominantly intermediate terrain, but its length makes stamina as important as technique. We recommend it for skiers who are comfortable on red pistes and happy to spend most of the day skiing and using lifts.

A local instructor can help with navigation and keeping the group on schedule, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the area. Discuss everyone’s ability beforehand so the full circuit is an enjoyable prospect for the whole group.

How long does it take?

Allow approximately six hours for the circuit. Your pace, lift queues and stops will affect the time, so give it a full day rather than trying to fit it into an afternoon.

Dolomiti Superski recommends starting before 10:00 and crossing your final mountain pass by 15:30 at the latest. That final pass depends on your starting point and direction; the deadline allows time to return before the connecting lifts close. Setting out when the lifts open gives you more room for breaks along the way.

Where can you start?

You can join the circuit from any of its four valleys. Common starting points include Selva in Val Gardena, Corvara and Colfosco in Alta Badia, Arabba and Canazei in Val di Fassa. Campitello also provides access via the Col Rodella cable car.

For a ski holiday centred on the Sellaronda, we would recommend staying in Selva or Colfosco.

Which ski pass do you need?

You need a Dolomiti Superski ski pass, as the circuit crosses several ski areas. A pass covering only your local resort does not cover the whole tour.

Check the official Dolomiti Superski website for current prices and the appropriate pass for your stay.

Planning your day

Check that the complete circuit is open before leaving. Wind or heavy snowfall can close connecting lifts, so choose a day with a favourable forecast and check the official Sellaronda information.

Lunch deserves some thought too. Near Corvara, Piz Boé Alpine Lounge sits beside the upper station of the Boé gondola at approximately 2,200 metres. Its dining options include Plan de Sasc for traditional dishes, with mountain views through the windows.

We would keep lunch reasonably short on a first circuit and save a more leisurely meal for another day. The aim is to leave enough time to enjoy the remaining skiing without rushing for the final connections.

Where to stay near the Sellaronda

Casa Feroze, Alta Badia

In central Colfosco, Casa Feroze is approximately 40 metres from the piste, giving guests a convenient starting point for the circuit. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the mountains, with a wood-burning fireplace in the living area and a separate stube for watching television. A sauna provides a welcome option after a full day of skiing. The chalet accommodates eight guests, plus two in a screened sleeping area on the lower level.

Apartment Villa al Sole 204, Alta Badia

Just 10 metres from the Col Alto piste in Corvara, Villa al Sole 204 offers ski access from its private ski room, making it a convenient base for exploring the Sellaronda. The three-bedroom apartment sleeps six, with a fireplace in the living and dining area and a wrap-around terrace. Guests share the building’s wellness facilities, including a Finnish sauna, steam bath and gym.

Muliné Lodge, Val Gardena

Beside the red Saslong B piste, Muliné Lodge offers ski-in/ski-out access, with a short descent to the Saslong gondola. Five suites accommodate ten guests, while an indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna and steam room provide plenty of opportunity to relax after completing the circuit. The adjoining Restaurant Muliné serves regional dishes in traditional South Tyrolean dining rooms, including a historic stube dating from 1850.